City bike trailer, shopping and children

Why use a bike trailer in the city?

In the city, a trailer allows you to keep a regular bike that's light and easy to park, while also transporting things that don’t fit in a basket or panniers: a load of groceries, a pack of water, two children, a dog or DIY materials. It unhooks in a few seconds when it's not in use, which is what sets it apart from a cargo bike. Many urban models go further and can continue the journey on foot: the trailer becomes a cart or pushchair to enter a market, walk along a train platform or go up to the nursery door.

Trolley, utility or cart: which trailer for your shopping?

• The shopping trailer: a tow bar attached to the seat post, two small wheels and a large bag that can be removed. Lightweight and foldable, it is suitable for weekly shopping and can be pulled by hand in the aisles of the store once unhooked.
• The utility trailer: a wider frame, attached to the rear hub, with a bin or a large bag for heavy and bulky loads.
• The cart trailer: it easily switches from bike mode to cart mode without tools, with front wheels that deploy and a parking brake.

Check the maximum load capacity listed, which can vary greatly from model to model, and prefer a bag with a lid or a tarp to keep your purchases dry. For small daily volumes, a bike pannier or a basket is often enough.

Taking your children into the city with a trailer

A child trailer can accommodate one or two passengers, secured with a five-point harness, sheltered from rain and wind under a canopy. In the city, its conversion into a pushchair makes perfect sense: a front wheel or a walking kit, a handle, and the journey continues on the pavement. Some models can also transform into a cargo trailer by folding down the seats. A helmet is mandatory for any child under 12 transported by bike, and the adult transporting them must ensure compliance, according to Article R431-1-3 of the Highway Code. For one child who can sit up, a child seat fixed to the bike is a more compact solution.

A shopping trailer is never designed for a child: it has no harness or protective frame. Manufacturers state this in their instructions.

Attaching a trailer to a city bike

Most trailers attach to the rear wheel axle, underneath the nut or quick release skewer. Recent urban bikes, especially electric ones, sometimes have a through axle: you will then need a specific trailer axle, with the thread pitch depending on the standard, for example, 1.0 mm for the Syntace, 1.5 mm for the Shimano E-Thru or 1.75 mm for the Maxle from SRAM. With a motor in the rear hub, check with the bike manufacturer which attachment is acceptable. Lighter shopping trailers attach to the seat post. Finally, check the space available around the attachment: a loaded rear rack, a double kickstand, or a pannier should not hinder the tow arm in turns. The complete range, including travel trailers and unicycles, can be found in bike trailers.

Cycling and parking a trailer in the city

The trailer widens your footprint: measure it before navigating chicanes, bollards, or narrow bike paths, and anticipate stops, as the whole assembly brakes more slowly than a solo bike. According to the Highway Code, as service-public.gouv.fr reminds us, a trailer attached to a bike must have the same rear equipment: a non-flashing red position light, at night or in low visibility, and a red reflector. A high flag helps motorists spot it among parked cars. At home, a trailer that folds or has wheels that can be removed with a button can be stored in a bike shed or against a wall; in the street, secure it with the bike.

Which bike trailer brands for the city?

Burley designed the Hopper for urban journeys: it easily transitions from trailer to cart without tools, its front wheels tuck underneath while you pedal, and a foot brake keeps it stationary; for children, the single Bee can only be used when attached to the bike, and the Tail Wagon accommodates dogs.

Optimiz offers a shopping trailer attached to the seat post, with a removable 48-litre shoulder bag and two 12-inch wheels, foldable without tools, alongside utility and child trailers fixed to the hub.

XLC pairs its Mono and Duo child trailers with a series of trailer axles suitable for Shimano, Syntace or Maxle through axles, to attach to recent city bikes.

Thule designs the Courier for multiple uses: two children secured with five-point harnesses, or seats that fold flat with the FlipFlat system to free up storage space; a dog kit is optional. The Chariot Lite and Cross complete the child range.

Hamax equips the Outback with reclining seats and adjustable rear wheel suspension; a pushchair wheel is included to continue the journey on foot.

Discount urban trailers

Trailers and transport accessories with changing models go to the urban transport clearance, and the latest references are grouped in the new arrivals. The back-to-school season and the French Days are great times to get equipped before cycling to school.

Frequently asked questions

Which trailer should I choose for grocery shopping by bike?

For a week's worth of groceries, a shopping trailer attached to the seat post is sufficient and easy to store. For heavy or bulky loads, prefer a utility trailer fixed to the hub, which is more stable. If you often enter stores with it, choose a model that can be pulled or pushed by hand.

Can I put a child in a shopping trailer?

No. Only child trailers have seats, harnesses and a protective structure designed for a passenger. Some multifunction carts accept a seat for walking, but their manufacturer prohibits transporting a child behind the bike.

Do I need an electric bike to tow a trailer in the city?

No, a standard bike can easily tow a loaded trailer on flat ground. However, electric assistance makes starting at traffic lights and climbing hills easier. In all cases, keep within the total weight limit specified by the bike and trailer manufacturers.

Does a trailer need to have lights?

Yes. It must have the same rear equipment as the bike: a non-flashing red light, turned on at night or in low visibility, and a red reflector. Many trailers have reflective strips, but these do not replace the light.

How to store a bike trailer in an apartment?

Choose a foldable model with wheels that can be removed without tools: when folded, it can slide under a staircase, in a cellar or stand against a wall.